Thales offers an upgraded product model for air traffic management with an upgrade of TopSky – ATC
Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, has announced the launch of an upgraded version of its air traffic management system, TopSky – ATC. This upgrade aims to address the challenges posed by the increasingly unpredictable world of air traffic management (ATM). By bringing together key stakeholders, including air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and industry experts, Thales seeks to ensure safe and seamless operations amidst growing air traffic flows.
Innovative Governance Structure for TopSky – ATC Upgrade
The development of the TopSky – ATC upgrade is underpinned by an innovative governance structure that fosters collaboration, shared decision-making, and ownership among all parties involved. This approach ensures that the priorities and needs of customer ANSPs are aligned with the evolving demands of the industry. Thales’ commitment to collaboration facilitates the development of a system that can adapt regularly to meet changing requirements.
Flexible Subscription Service and Collaboration with ANSPs
TopSky – ATC offers numerous benefits to ANSPs and air traffic controllers (ATCs). Through its flexible subscription service, customers can tailor updates according to their specific needs and financial constraints. This model enables ANSPs to collaborate with Thales for both initial development and ongoing technological advancements, ensuring financial efficiency while meeting operational requirements.
Empowering ANSPs for Enhanced Interoperability and Efficiency
The upgraded TopSky – ATC empowers ANSPs to focus on enhancing interoperability and efficiency, thereby accommodating higher air traffic levels and increasing revenue. The system’s common foundation facilitates efficient adaptation to emerging regulations, bolsters cybersecurity measures, and streamlines individual system updates to ensure regulatory compliance and safety.
Alliance One: Facilitating Open Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
At the decision-making level, Thales facilitates open, transparent, and complimentary knowledge exchange through Alliance One, a user alliance. Within this alliance, ANSPs and Thales jointly discuss industry concepts of operations (CONOPS) and critical needs. Technological innovations are then driven by Thales’ Skylab Network, a global initiative aimed at pooling resources and fostering collaboration between ANSPs and Thales.
Early Adoption: skeyes, Belgium’s ANSP Joins the Initiative
Several clients have already expressed interest in joining this new governance model. The first to join in 2024 is skeyes, Belgium’s ANSP. By embracing this innovative approach, skeyes and other ANSPs are poised to benefit from enhanced collaboration, shared decision-making, and a system that evolves to meet their specific needs and challenges.
“ In an ongoing evolution of our system, we have strategically chosen to embark on an upgrade of our TopSky – ATC system to adopt the next-generation ATM standard. skeyes also welcomes the implementation of Alliance One, which unites the essential requirements and provides shared solutions to all involved ANSPs, transforming TopSky into a more evolutionary and standardised system. This will improve cost efficiency and will facilitate the alignment with EU standards and civilian-military integration. By becoming a part of it, skeyes secures access to a consistently high-performing system for the foreseeable future.” Johan Decuyper, CEO, skeyes
« Thales is committed to supporting ANSPs in designing an open, safe and secure solution that will enable them to cope more flexibly with predictable and unpredictable fluctuations in traffic flows. This enables all stakeholders to work together more proactively to build better skies together. And we’re very proud to have already brought major ANSPs on board with us on this journey. So stay tuned to learn more. » Christian Rivierre, VP Airspace Mobility Solutions, Thales.
Thales Launches Upgraded TopSky – ATC for Enhanced Air Traffic Management
In conclusion, Thales’ upgraded TopSky – ATC represents a significant advancement in air traffic management technology. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and flexibility, this system ensures safe and efficient operations in an increasingly complex airspace environment. Through initiatives like Alliance One and the Skylab Network, Thales is paving the way for a more collaborative and sustainable future for air traffic management.
